Pharmaceutical composition comprising non-ionic surfactants

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising poorly soluble compounds such as BSC class II or IV kinase inhibitors, a process for the preparation thereof and its use in the treatment of diseases, in particular cancer, further particularly in non-small lung cancer.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, particularly comprising 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, further particularly comprising 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride, a process for the preparation thereof and its use in the treatment of diseases, in particular cancer, further particularly in non-small lung cancer.

9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile is a tetracyclic compounds known to have an Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) inhibitory activity (WO2010/143664).

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is one of the receptor type tyrosine kinases belonging to an insulin receptor family. It is reported that gene alteration of ALK causes production of abnormal kinase fused with other gene.

Examples of the disorders accompanied with ALK abnormality include cancer and cancer metastasis. Thus, an inhibitor for ALK will provide pharmaceuticals that are effective for treatment and prevention of the disorders.

Such pharmaceuticals are required to be developed in the form of orally administrable formulation. However, the properties of an orally administrable formulation depend on the level of bioavailability of a pharmaceutical compound. As a factor which affects bioavailability, water solubility and solubilisation speed of a pharmaceutical compound can be considered. In general, when a compound which is poorly water-soluble or insoluble in water is orally administered, it shows poor bioavailability. A slow solubilisation also leads to poor bioavailability, if the solubilisation time exceeds the transit time in the absorptive regions of the gastrointestinal tract. Increasing the bioavailability by improving an oral absorption property of an active ingredient is also important in terms of obtaining stable and reproducible exhibition of pharmaceutical effect of the active ingredient.

Although 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-l-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile used in the present invention has an excellent ALK inhibitory activity, it is also a weak base that is practically insoluble in water across the whole pH range. It is also poorly soluble in a diverse set of excipients, covering an HLB range of 1 to 20 and above. Due to its poorly water-soluble or insoluble property in water, further studies have been needed to develop them in the form of orally administrable formulation.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition that may increase bioavailability of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile for the treatment of cancer in human. Furthermore, the drug is administered in a dispersed form which facilitates rapid and complete dispersion of the compound upon contact with enteric or gastrointestinal body fluids. A complete and fine dispersion of the drug in turn enables a quick solubilisation of the compound. By this, the pharmaceutical compositions in this invention may also decreasethe intra- and interindividual variability in human exposure that is often experienced with poorly bioavailable drugs.It also avoids any barriers due to solubility, such as the use of high amount of excipient usually used to solubilized or dispersed in solution poorly soluble compounds.

FIG. 1 illustrates the dissolution results in biorelevant media (FeSSIF/USP4) of capsules produced according to examples 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9.

FIG. 2 illustrates the dissolution results in Triton media (4% Triton/USP2) of capsules produced according to examples 1, 3, 5 and 6.

FIG. 3 illustrates the difference of dissolution results in Triton media (4% Triton/USP2) of capsules produced according to examples 1 and 9.

The term “active pharmaceutical ingredient” (or “API”) denotes the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a pharmaceutical composition that has a particular biological activity.

The term “Biopharmaceutics Classification System” or “BCS” refers to the regulatory term for biopharmaceutic drug classification theorized by Amidon GL, Lennernäs H, Shah VP, Crison JR in Pharm. Res. 1995, 12 (3): 413-20 and described in the FDA BCS guidance.

The term “drop point refers to the temperature at which a composition passes from a semi-solid to a liquid state under specific test conditions.

The term “free base equivalent” refers to the weight of pharmaceutically acceptable salt of an active pharmaceutical ingredient form, thus calculated as free base form of active pharmaceutical ingredient form. For example, if an API is used in the form of a salt, reference to “50 mg of free base equivalent of the API” means the amount of salt that would be needed to provide 50 mg of the free base upon complete dissociation of the salt.

The term “hydrophilic-lipophilic balance” (HLB) value denotes the degree of hydrophilicity of a non-ionic surfactant. The HLB value is determined by the ratio between the molecular mass of the hydrophilic portion of the surfactant molecule and its overall molecular mass, as described by Griffin W. C., Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1949) 1:311.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” denotes an attribute of a material which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic, and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and is acceptable for veterinary as well as human pharmaceutical use.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases or free acids, which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. The salts are formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, in particular hydrochloric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, N-acetylcystein and the like. In addition, these salts may be prepared by addition of an inorganic base or an organic base to the free acid. Salts derived from an inorganic base include, but are not limited to, the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium salts and the like. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, lysine, arginine, N-ethylpiperidine, piperidine, polyimine resins and the like. Particular pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) are the hydrochloride salts, methanesulfonic acid salts and citric acid salts. More particularly pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) are hydrochloride salts.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” (or “composition”) denotes a mixture or solution comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient together with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to be administered to a mammal, e.g., a human in need thereof.

The term “polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty ester” denotes oleate esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides, typically copolymerized with ethylene oxide. Particular polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty ester are polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate also kwon as polysorbate 80 or Tween 80 (T80).

The term “polyoxylglyceride” refers to mixtures of monoesters, diesters and triesters of glycerol and monoesters and diesters of polyethylene glycols. Examples of polyoxylglycerides are caprylocaproyl polyoxylglyceride, a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride, a linoleoyl polyoxylglyceride, a oleoyl polyoxylglyceride or a stearoyl polyoxylglyceride. Particular examples of polyoxylglyceride lauroyl polyoxylglyceride. More particularly, the polyoxylgliceride as surfactant A is a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride with a HLB of 14 and a drop point of 44° C., particularly lauroyl macrogol-32 glyceride, also known as lauroyl polyoxyl-32 glyceride, lauroyl macrogolglyceride, lauroyl polyoxylglyceride, polyoxyl glyceryl laurate, PEG glyceryl laurat, hydrogenated coconut oil PEG-32 esters or Gelucire 44/14.

The term “propylene glycol monolaurate” refers to a mixture of propylene glycol mono and diesters of lauric acid. Particular examples of propylene glycol monolaurate is propylene glycol monolaurate type II, wherein the content of monoesters is equal or more than 90% also known as lauroglycol 90 (LG90).

The term “tocopherol derivative” refers to tocopherol moiety linked, optionally via a linker, to a polymer or copolymer chain. Particular tocopherol derivatives are tocopherol polyethylene glycol. Further particular tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate. Furthermore particular tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate wherein the chain length of the polyethylene glycol chain is 1000, also known as TPGS, tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate, a-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate, Vitamin E PEG succinate, tocofersolan and tocophersolan.

Unless otherwise stated all percentages are given in weight percent of the total weight of the composition.

The present information provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising

a) one or more active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

b) a non-ionic surfactant A solid at room temperature, and

c) a non-ionic surfactant B liquid at room temperature,

wherein the HLB of surfactants A and B are independently equal or greater than 8 and wherein the active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are dispersed in the matrix formed by the other ingredients.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the active ingredients are dispersed in the matrix formed by surfactants A and B.

Also a particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the active ingredients are in a micronized form.

In a further particular embodiment of the present invention as described herein, the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 20 μm.

In a more particular embodiment of the present invention as described herein, the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 15 μm.

In a furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention as described herein, the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 8 μm.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein comprising only one active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredient or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is class III or IV drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredient or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is class IV drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredients is a kinase inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredients is an ALK inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredient is 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredient is 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and is in crystalline form.

Another more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein one of the active ingredient is 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising from 20 to 250 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile.

Another further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising from 20 to 225 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile.

Another more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising from 100 to 200 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile.

Another furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising from 125 to 175 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile.

Another even more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising 150 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile.

Another even more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising 161 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-l-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, characterized in that the drop point of the pharmaceutical composition is comprised between 32 and 41° C.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, characterized in that the drop point of the pharmaceutical composition is comprised between 35 and 39° C.

Also a particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant A has a HLB equal or greater than 12.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant B has a HLB equal or greater than 12.

Also an embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or polyoxylglyceride.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or a caprylocaproyl polyoxylglyceride, a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride, a linoleoyl polyoxylglyceride, a oleoyl polyoxylglyceride or a stearoyl polyoxylglyceride.

In a further particular embodiment of the present invention as described herein, wherein the polyoxylglyceride has a drop point comprised between 40 and 48° C.

A furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the polyoxylglyceride has a drop point comprised between 40 and 46° C.

A more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the lauroyl polyoxylglyceride has a hydrophilic balance comprised between 12-15 and a drop point comprised between 40 and 46° C.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the tocopherol derivative is a tocopherol polyethylene glycol ester.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate.

A furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate wherein the chain length of the polyethylene glycol chain is 1000.

A more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the lauroyl polyoxylglyceride has a HLB of 14 and a drop point of 44° C.

An even more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant A is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate wherein the chain length of the polyethylene glycol chain is 1000 or a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride has a HLB of 14 and a drop point of 44° C.

Also an embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the surfactant B is a caprylocaproyl polyoxylglyceride, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, propylene glycol monolaurate type I or propylene glycol monolaurate type II.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein surfactant B is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester or or propylene glycol monolaurate type II.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is selected from polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monoisostearate.

A more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is selected from polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monoisostearate.

A furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising surfactant A and B in a ratio in weight from between 1:1: to 8:2.

A furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising surfactant A and B in a ratio in weight of 7:3.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising

9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and

polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising

4 to 50% in weight of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-l-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile, hydrochloride;

35 to 70% of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and 15 to 30% in weight of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

A more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising

20 to 225 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

150 to 300 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and

50 to 150 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

A furthermore particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising

150 mg of free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile;

245 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and

105 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

An even more particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising

161 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride;

245 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and

105 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, obtainable by

a) melting surfactant A;

b) mixing melted surfactant A and liquid surfactant B; and

c) suspending the active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in the obtained mixture.

Also an embodiment of the present invention is a capsule comprising a pharmaceutical composition as described herein.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for preparing a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for preparing a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of lung cancer.

Another further particular embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for preparing a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of non-small cells lung cancer.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of lung cancer.

Another further particular embodiment of the present invention is the use of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of non-small cells lung cancer.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of lung cancer.

Another further particular embodiment of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition as described herein for the treatment or prophylaxis of non-small cells lung cancer.

Also an embodiment of the present invention is a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, comprising steps a), b) and c)

a) melting surfactant A;

b) mixing melted surfactant A and liquid surfactant B; and

c) suspending the active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in the obtained mixture.

Manufacturing Process:

In the examples 1 to 9, the API refers to 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride.

The capsules used were Licaps capsules size 1 according to M. J. Rathbone, J. Hadgraft, M. S. Roberts (Eds.), Modified-Release Drug Delivery Technology, Marcel Dekker, New York, 2003, pp. 177-188 manufactured and provided by Capsugel, France.

The examples were prepared according to the following manufacturing process:

a) Preparation of the fill mass

Surfactant A is heated in a closed container at 50-55° C. until it is completely molten. Surfactant B is at the same time equilibrated to RT. Both excipient containers are stirred and the required amounts are removed. They are combined in a blending vessel and shortly stirred until they are homogenous.

After the fill mass has cooled to approximately 42-45° C., the micronized API is added in portions while the fill mass is stirred with a propeller type stirrer. Dependent on the batch size, the blending vessel needs to be maintained at 42° C. minimum. The suspension is stirred until homogenous.

Depending of the blending vessel an additional degassing step by vacuum is done or else a longer stirring time should be used to remove any air that has been stirred in during API addition.

b) Encapsulation/sealing/drying

The fill mass is transferred to the hopper of a CFS encapsulation machine (manufacturer: Capsugel, France). The hopper is heated to 40-45° C., keeping the fill mass in a temperature range of 38-43° C. The heating of the pump unit is selected at 37° C. The CFS carries out encapsulation, sealing and drying in a single process run. The sealed capsules are stored at room temperature which leads to a solidification of the fill matrix. By this the API gets entrapped in a finely dispersed state.

Dissolution Test Methods

Method USP2

Apparatus Ph. Eur. rotating paddle apparatus (USP apparatus 2) Medium Simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2 + 4% Triton X-100 De-aeration None Volume 900 mL Temperature 37° C. Paddle speed 100 rpm Units tested 6 × 1 unit Sampling 10 mL (manual sampling) without medium replacement after 5, 10,15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min. Time can be adapted depending on the observed release rate. Position Samples are withdrawn from a zone midway between the surface of the dissolution medium and the top of the rotating paddle, not less than 1 cm from the vessel wall. For automated sampling (e.g. Sotax AT7 or AT70) 25 mL of the test solution are pumped through the circuit before the sampling times to pre-rinse the sampling lines and filters. Pre-Filter Cannula Filter 35 μm (e.g. PSFIL035-SX-100) Filter Acrodisc ® 25 mm Syringe Filter with 1 μm glass fibre membrane (Pall Corporation; #PN4529); discard the first 3 mL. Sinker Japanese Sinker (Vendor No.: 65-190-012) Method of Analysis HPLC at 230 nm

Dissolution Parameters

Chemicals and Reagents for the Dissolution Medium

Chemical/Reagent Quality/Purity Supplier Code Water Deionized Water — HCl 37% For analysis Merck 1.00317 Triton X-100 For analysis Merck 1.08603 NaCl For analysis Merck 1.06404

Reagents and chemicals of equivalent quality may be used.

Dissolution Media Preparation

Alternative preparation and dilution schemes can be used.

Simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2+4% Triton X-100

Accurately weigh 4 g of sodium chloride and dissolve in approximately 1 L of water. Add 7mL of concentrated 37% Hydrochloride fuming acid. Weigh 40g of Triton X-100, transfer to solution and mix to dissolve.

Determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Instrument and Conditions (Equivalent instrumentation and appropriate operating conditions may be used.)

Pump Agilent 1200 (binary pump) Injection System Agilent 1200 Detector Agilent 1200 UV/VIS with 10 mm cell Degasser Agilent Column Steel column 4.6 × 150 mm Stationary Phase Sunfire C18 (Waters), 3.5 μm Column temperature 35° C. Autosampler Room Temperature uncontrolled temperature Detector setting UV, 230 nm, Bandwidth: 4 nm, Path length: 1 cm Flow rate 1.0 mL/min Wavelength 230 nm Injection volume 10 μL for 150 mg of free base equivalent of API 7.5 μL for 200 mg of free base equivalent of API Run time 5 minutes Mobile Phase Water/Acetonitrile/TFA 1200/800/1 v/v isocratic conditions Rheodyne rincing 1200 Water/800 Acetonitrile Sampler Tray Room Temperature uncontrolled temperature

Column cleaning: Wash the column after the measuring of a maximum of 6 sample solutions and 1 reference solution.

This column cleaning is performed under the conditions stated below.

Mobile Phase A: Water/acetonitrile/trifluoroacetic acid (1200:800:1)

Mobile Phase B: Acetonitrile/trifluoroacetic acid (2000:1)

Mobile Phase Flow: Control the concentration gradient by varying the percentages of mobile phase A and mobile phase B as shown below.

Gradient:

Time after Mobile phase Mobile phase injection (min) A (vol %) 0 100 B (vol %) 0~4  0 100   4~4.01 0 → 100 100 → 0 4.01~13  100  0

Chemicals and Reagents for the HPLC

Reagents and chemicals of equivalent quality may be used.

Chemical/Reagent Quality/Purity Supplier Code Water HPLC grade, deionized — Acetonitrile HPLC grade Merck 1.00030.2500 TFA HPLC grade Merck 8.08260

HPLC mobile phase preparation

Mix 1200 mL of HPLC grade water and 800 mL of acetonitrile, add 1 mL of TFA in a 21 volumetric flask. Degas prior to use.

Column cleaning

Mobile Phase A

Mix 1200 mL of HPLC grade water and 800 mL of acetonitrile, add 1 mL of TFA in a 21 volumetric flask. Degas prior to use.

Mobile Phase B

Mix 2000 mL of acetonitrile, add 1 mL of TFA in a 21 volumetric flask. Degas prior to use.

Peaks of Interest:

Approximate Retention Component Time (minutes) Response Factor (RF) Alectinib 3.0 1.00

Run time: 5 minutes

Reference Solution (Prepare in Duplicate.)

Equivalent quantities and volumes may be used.

Reference solution for 150 mg free base capsule strength:

Weigh 9 mg of Alectinib reference substance (hydrochloride salt) into a 50 mL amber volumetric flask. Add 5 mL of Acetonitrile: water (1:1 v/v) and sonicate until dissolved. Dilute to volume with dissolution media, mix well.

Stability of reference solution:

Reference solution in amber glass flask is stable for 5 days at RT.

Stability of sample solution:

Sample solution in HPLC vials is stable for 11 days in the autosampler at RT.

HPLC System Suitability Test:

The Relative Standard Deviation (Srel) of the response factors calculated from a minimum of 6 Reference Solution injections (minimum 3 injections of reference solution A and B) must be less than or equal to 2.0%. If the Srel is more than 2.0%, the cause must be investigated. The SST can be re-evaluated with the same raw data, ignoring the injection which failed if the root cause is found and if a minimum of 6 injections are available. If not, the complete analysis has to be performed again.

Calculations

Dissolution with volume correction, drawn volumes not replaced

Principle: area evaluation with external standard

% dissolved corrected:

$\begin{matrix} {{\% {D(t)}} = {{\% {D_{nc}(t)} \times \frac{V_{M} - {\left( {t - 1} \right) \times V_{p}}}{V_{M}}} + {\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{t - 1}\; {\% {D_{nc}(n)} \times \frac{V_{p}}{V_{M}}}}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

The equation applies for dissolution calculation without media replacement

Assay determination by UV/HPLC % dissolved non-corrected

${\% {D_{nc}(t)}} = \frac{A_{M} \times E_{ST} \times P \times V_{M}}{A_{ST} \times L \times V_{ST}}$

t=Number of drawn sample (t=1 to x)

%D(t) =% Dissolution for sample no. t

% D_(nc) (t) =% Uncorrected dissolution for sample no. t

A_(M)=Peak area of the sample solution

A_(st)=Peak area of the reference solution

E_(st)=Mass of the reference substance (mg)

P=Purity of the reference substance in %

L=Label Claim of the sample (mg)

V_(M)=Volume of dissolution medium (ml)

V_(p)=Volume of drawn sample (ml)

V_(ST)=Dilution of the reference solution (ml)

Dissolution Test-USP4

Dissolution Parameters

Apparatus Ph. Eur. Flow through cell apparatus (USP apparatus 4) Medium FeSSIF (Fed State Simulated Intestinal Fluid) pH 5.0 De-aeration None Volume 1000 mL Temperature 37° C. Dosage (mg) Equivalent to 20 mg drug substance Mode closed Loading Type 1 Cell type 22.6 mm tablet cell Flow (ml/min)  25 Duration (min) 120 Sampling times (min) 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 Filter GF/C Quantification HPLC at 230 nm

Chemicals and Reagents for the Dissolution Medium

Reagents and chemicals of equivalent quality may be used.

Chemical/Reagent Quality/Purity Supplier Supplier Code Water Deionized Water — NaOH For analysis Glacial acetic acid For analysis NaCl For analysis Merck 1.06404 SIF powder V1 For analysis

Dissolution Media Preparation

Alternative preparation and dilution schemes can be used.

Fed State Simulated Intestinal Fluid pH 5.0

Dissolve (accurately weighed):

4.040 g of NaOH (pellets), 8.650 g of Glacial Acetic Acid, 11.874 g of NaC1 in about 0.900 L of purified water. Adjust the pH to 5 with either 1 N NaOH or 1 N HC1. Make up to volume (1.000 L) with purified water at room temperature. Add 11.200 g (accurately weighed) of SIF Powder Original to about 0.5 L of buffer. Stir until powder is completely dissolved. Make up to volume (1.000 L) with buffer at room temperature.

Determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Performed according to Method USP2

Reference Solution (Prepare in Duplicate.)

Performed according to Method USP2 using the dissolution medium described there (SGF +4% Triton-X).

HPLC System SuitabilitY Test

Performed according to Method USP2

Calculations

Performed according to Method USP2

Drop Point Determination

Equipment: Mettler Toledo FP 90

Measuring chamber: FP 83 HT

Method description:

Equipment is tested with Benzophenone as reference substance.

The sample is inserted in the measuring cell. The oven is heated about 5° C. below the estimated drop point at a heat rate of 1° C./minute.

As soon as there is a drop released from the 2.8mm opening, the equipment will register the drop point of the sample, as the drop will pass a light beam during falling from the opening.

EXAMPLE 1

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A vitamin E 245 47.95 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 105 20.55 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 2

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A vitamin E 280 54.79 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 70 13.70 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 3

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A vitamin E 245 47.95 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Propylene glycol 105 20.55 monolaurate type II Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 4

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A vitamin E 280 54.79 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Propylene glycol 70 13.70 monolaurate type II Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 5

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A Lauroyl 245 47.95 polyoxylglyceride (Gelucire 44/14) Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 105 20.55 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 6

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A Lauroyl 210 41.10 polyoxylglyceride (Gelucire 44/14) Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 140 27.40 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 7

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A Lauroyl 175 34.25 polyoxylglyceride (Gelucire 44/14) Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 175 34.25 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 8

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 161 31.51 Surfactant A Lauroyl 245 47.95 polyoxylglyceride (Gelucire 44/14) Surfactant B Propylene glycol 105 20.55 monolaurate type II Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 511 100.00

EXAMPLE 9

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 241.5 46.76 Surfactant A vitamin E 192.5 37.27 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 82.5 15.97 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 516.5 100.00

EXAMPLE 10

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 193 37.62 Surfactant A vitamin E 224 43.66 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 96 18.71 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 513 100.00

EXAMPLE 11

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 193 39.99 Surfactant A vitamin E 202.7 42.00 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 86.9 18.01 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 482.6 100.00

EXAMPLE 12

Mass/unit Amount/Unit Ingredient (mg) (%) API 225.4 43.69 Surfactant A vitamin E 203.3 39.41 polyethylene glycol succinate Surfactant B Polysorbate 80 87.2 16.90 Capsule Licaps size 1 Total 515.9 100.00 

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a) one or more active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, b) a non-ionic surfactant A solid at room temperature, and c) a non-ionic surfactant B liquid at room temperature, wherein the HLB of surfactants A and B are independently equal or greater than 8 and wherein the active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are dispersed in the matrix formed by the other ingredients.
 2. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the active ingredients is a kinase inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein, one of the active ingredient is 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising 161 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the drop point of the pharmaceutical composition is comprised between 32 and 41° C.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or polyoxylglyceride.
 7. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the lauroyl polyoxylglyceride has a hydrophilic balance comprised between 12-15 and a drop point comprised between 40 and 46° C.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant A is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate wherein the chain length of the polyethylene glycol chain is 1000 or a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride with a HLB of 14 and a drop point of 44° C.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein surfactant B is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester or propylene glycol monolaurate type II.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is selected from polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monoisostearate.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising surfactant A and B in a ratio in weight from between 1:1: to 8:2.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising 9-ethyl-6,6dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]-carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredients are dispersed in the matrix formed by surfactants A and B.
 17. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredients are in a micronized form.
 18. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 20 μm.
 19. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 15 μm.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of the micronized active ingredients is between 0.2 μm and 8 μm.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising only one active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 22. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the active ingredient or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is class III or IV drug according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System.
 23. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the active ingredient or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is class IV drug according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System.
 24. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the active ingredients is an ALK inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 25. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein one of the active ingredient is 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and is in crystalline form.
 26. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising from 20 to 250 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6, 11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 27. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising from 20 to 225 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6, 11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 28. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising from 100 to 200 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6, 11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 29. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising from 125 to 175 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6, 11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 30. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 comprising 150 mg of the free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 31. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the drop point of the pharmaceutical composition is comprised between 35 and 39° C.
 32. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant A has a HLB equal or greater than
 12. 33. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein wherein the surfactant B has a HLB equal or greater than
 12. 34. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant A is a tocopherol derivative or a caprylocaproyl polyoxylglyceride, a lauroyl polyoxylglyceride, a linoleoyl polyoxylglyceride, a oleoyl polyoxylglyceride or a stearoyl polyoxylglyceride.
 35. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxylglyceride has a drop point comprised between 40 and 48° C.
 36. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxylglyceride has a drop point comprised between 40 and 46° C.
 37. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the tocopherol derivative is a tocopherol polyethylene glycol ester.
 38. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the tocopherol derivative is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate wherein the chain length of the polyethylene glycol chain is
 1000. 39. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the lauroyl polyoxylglyceride has a HLB of 14 and a drop point of 44° C.
 40. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant B is a caprylocaproyl polyoxylglyceride, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, propylene glycol monolaurate type I or propylene glycol monolaurate type II.
 41. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is selected from polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan tristearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monoisostearate.
 42. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising surfactant A and B in a ratio in weight of 7:3.
 43. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 42 comprising 4 to 50% in weight of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride; 35 to 70% of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and 15 to 30% in weight of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 44. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising 20 to 225 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-l-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; 150 to 300 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and 50 to 150 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 45. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising 150 mg of free base equivalent of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)11)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile; 245 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and 105 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 46. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising 161 mg of 9-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-8-(4-morpholin-4-yl-piperidin-1-yl)-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole-3-carbonitrile hydrochloride; 245 mg of vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate; and 105 mg of polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate.
 47. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, comprising an active ingredient or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof obtainable by a) melting surfactant A; b) mixing melted surfactant A and liquid surfactant B; and c) suspending the active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in the obtained mixture.
 48. A capsule comprising a pharmaceutical composition according to claim
 1. 49. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer, the method comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition according to claim
 1. 50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the cancer is a lung cancer.
 51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the cancer is a non-small cells lung cancer.
 52. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 51 for the treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.
 53. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 52, wherein the cancer is a lung cancer.
 54. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 52, wherein the cancer is non-small cells lung cancer. 55-58. (canceled) 